South Middlesex Times

Adults with chronic pain are more supportive of expanding cannabis access than the physicians treating them, according to a study by Rutgers Health and other institutions. Published in JAMA Network Open, the study surveyed over 1,600 chronic pain patients and 1,000 physicians in states with medical cannabis programs, including New Jersey. The results showed that 71% of chronic pain patients supported federal legalization of medical cannabis compared to 59% of physicians.

"Cannabis is unique in terms of the complicated policy landscape," stated Elizabeth Stone, lead author and core faculty member at the Rutgers Institute for Health. She highlighted the varying legality across states: some allow medical use only, others both medical and recreational use, while some have decriminalized certain aspects.

Currently, 38 states and Washington D.C. have legalized medical cannabis use. Among these, New Jersey and 23 other states (plus D.C.) permit adult recreational use as well. However, under federal law, cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance—a category indicating high abuse risk without recognized medical use according to the National Institutes of Health.

The study found that 55% of chronic pain patients supported federal legalization for adult recreational use compared to 38% of physicians. Additionally, while 64% of patients favored insurance coverage for cannabis treatment for chronic pain, only 51% of physicians agreed.

"Overall, people with chronic pain were more supportive of policies that would expand access to medical cannabis," said Stone. In contrast, providers tended towards supporting restrictive policies on access.

Two survey groups provided data: adults with noncancer pain lasting six months or more and primary care providers alongside various specialty physicians. Personal experience significantly influenced attitudes; those who used cannabis for chronic pain reported higher support levels for expanded access than those who did not recommend it.

Both patients and doctors showed strong support—about 70%—for requiring education on cannabis treatment within medical schools. "I think it points to the need for future guidance around cannabis use and efficacy," Stone remarked regarding potential recommendations based on product types or usage modes.

Federal restrictions currently hinder comprehensive research into cannabis's effectiveness for managing pain. Legalization could standardize regulations across states and facilitate broader studies on its impact.

"Currently there are limitations on the research that can be done on cannabis," noted Stone. "Opening up those avenues would likely lead to better understanding."

Stone’s research is part of a project funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse examining state medical cannabis policies' effects on opioid-related outcomes among individuals with chronic pain.